One Mission Vanuatu

Safety net for service

Friday, April 1, 2016
Avondale’s service learning trips now safer thanks to updated procedures

Service learning trips at Avondale College of Higher Education are back and, thanks to careful examination and updated procedures, are now safer.

An independent audit in 2014 highlighted a need for increased safety and security measures during overseas student trips. The concerns prompted the decision to organise all service trips through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia while policies were updated. Activities that did not fall under the ADRA banner were temporality halted during the review.

Now following changes implemented last year, the trips are back—and better. A new partnership with International SOS provides 24/7 health services for students and staff members while overseas, fully funding any necessary emergency services. Procedures have been updated to ensure the safety of all those involved, and document templates are now in use across all Avondale service learning trips to ensure consistency in planning and execution.

It is an important step for an organisation that holds service to others as one of its core values.

“Avondale has a service learning culture that is deeply rooted—we’ve been going on service trips for decades, far longer than other Australian universities,” says Dr Brad Watson, senior lecturer in international poverty and development studies. “It’s very much a part of who we are.”

Watson’s next service trip—a field experience in development to East Timor—will take place in July. The trip is partly funded by ADRA, and the five participating students will be jointly evaluated by ADRA and Avondale staff. The partnership is beneficial to all parties, and requested by ADRA East Timor’s country director, Avondale alumnus Benjamin Keri.

Student-led One Mission trips will also be resuming, although they will continue to run in partnership with ADRA Connections. Four trips have been planned for yearend, with students planning ventures to Nepal, Cambodia, the Phillipines and Vanuatu. The partnership with International SOS means any medical emergencies will be attended to promptly, and ADRA staff will be on the ground in each location and able to assist if necessary. For Dr Wayne French, the chaplain on Avondale’s Lake Macquarie campus, the improved safety measures are a welcome addition to the student club’s long history.

“One Mission trips have always been student-led, and we felt it was important they stay that way,” French says. “It increases risk when there isn’t a staff member with the teams, which is why we’ve put all these extra measures in place. We don’t want to take away leadership opportunities, we want to facilitate them safely.”

The Discipline of Education’s Ministry of Teaching Overseas (MOTO) trips were postponed during the safety procedure review but are set to restart in July. Jason Hinze, lecturer in secondary education, will lead the MOTO Cambodia team of primary and secondary education students.

“We’re excited the MOTO trips are back on this year, as we feel like we have a lot to offer,” says Hinze. “Our trip isn’t about building or cementing—we’re going to teach and to train teachers, and I feel that’s an important role.” This year will mark MOTO’s ninth year of service.

“We’re keen to grow and enhance the opportunities for students engaging in the support of others,” says Professor Tony Williams, Vice-President (Academic and Research). “The concept of service is one that is consistent with Avondale’s ethos, and we want to see that continue.”

Whose Mission?

Students and International NGO seek to improve service learning at Avondale

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Sara Bolst
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Sara Bolst

Sara edited alumni magazine Reflections and served as Assistant Public Relations Officer during her tenure at Avondale College of Higher Education.